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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
QHYCCD QHY5III585C Color

QHYCCD QHY5III585C Color

by QHYCCD
SKU QHY-110133
$399.00 - $399.00
$399.00
$399.00 - $399.00
$399.00
Price Match Policy!
  • 8.4 Megapixel Sony IMX585 BSI Color Sensor
  • Large 1/1.2-inch sensor format with 2.9µm pixels
  • 512MB DDR3 image buffer for stable, high-speed capture
  • Up to 41.5 FPS at full 3856x2180 resolution
  • Extremely low 0.77e- read noise and 52ke- full well capacity
  • Standard ST-4 guide port for autoguiding
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • QHYCCD QHY5III585C Color Planetary & Guide Camera

    The QHYCCD QHY5III585C combines Sony's 8.4 Megapixel IMX585 STARVIS II sensor with a substantial 512MB DDR3 buffer to deliver stable, high-speed planetary imaging. Its 2.9µm pixels and large 1/1.2-inch format capture expansive, high-resolution views, while the 52ke- full well capacity and 0.77e- read noise ensure high dynamic range on challenging targets like Jupiter. Capable of 41.5 FPS at full resolution, this camera is engineered for lucky imaging without dropped frames, giving you the clean data needed to resolve fine atmospheric details.

    Sony IMX585 Sensor: 8.4 MP and High NIR Sensitivity

    At the core of the QHY5III585C is the Sony IMX585, a back-illuminated sensor with a 3856x2180 pixel array. This sensor's STARVIS II architecture features deeper pixel wells, which significantly boosts its sensitivity to red and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths. This makes the camera exceptionally effective for methane band imaging of gas giants or for cutting through atmospheric haze with the included IR850nm filter, revealing surface details on Mars that are invisible in the visual spectrum.

    512MB DDR3 Buffer: 41.5 FPS Full-Frame Capture

    To prevent data loss during high-speed video capture, the QHY5III585C incorporates a 512MB DDR3 image buffer. This buffer ensures a stable data stream to your computer, eliminating dropped frames that can ruin an imaging run. You can reliably capture at the full 41.5 FPS at 8-bit, or push frame rates up to 199 FPS using a 640-line Region of Interest (ROI), freezing moments of perfect seeing to capture the sharpest possible planetary detail.

    52ke- Full Well and 0.77e- Read Noise for HDR

    The QHY5III585C achieves an impressive dynamic range through its combination of a deep 52ke- full well capacity and exceptionally low read noise, as low as 0.77e-. This allows you to capture the bright surface of Jupiter and its faint, low-contrast cloud bands in the same exposure without clipping highlights or losing detail in the noise floor. The 12-bit A/D converter provides the bit depth needed to stretch the data and reveal subtle color variations in post-processing.

    Dual Back Focus (8mm/17mm) and ST-4 Guiding

    Designed for flexibility, the QHY5III585C offers two native back focus distances: 8mm without its adapter and 17mm with the adapter installed. This simplifies integration with various accessories like filter wheels, off-axis guiders, and atmospheric dispersion correctors. The camera includes a standard ST-4 guide port and a lightweight 90g body, making it a highly capable autoguider for deep-sky imaging when not being used for planetary work.

    QHY5III585C vs. ZWO ASI585MC: The 512MB Buffer Advantage

    While both the QHY5III585C and ZWO ASI585MC use the same excellent Sony IMX585 sensor, the primary hardware difference lies in the onboard memory buffer. The QHY5III585C's larger buffer is a critical advantage for maintaining stable, high-speed data transfer, especially on systems with slower USB controllers or when running other demanding applications.

    • QHY5III585C Buffer: 512MB DDR3 ensures consistent frame rates without drops, crucial for long video captures.
    • ZWO ASI585MC Buffer: 256MB DDR3, while effective, offers less protection against data transfer bottlenecks under heavy system load.
    • Guiding: The QHY5III585C includes a dedicated ST-4 guide port, allowing it to function as a standalone autoguider without requiring a separate ASIAIR or computer-based pulse guiding connection.

  • How does the QHY5III585C's 512MB buffer help with planetary imaging?

    The 512MB DDR3 buffer acts as a temporary storage for image frames before they are sent to the computer via USB 3.0. This prevents data loss (dropped frames) if the computer's hard drive or processor is temporarily busy. For planetary "lucky imaging," a consistent, high frame rate is essential, and this large buffer ensures every moment of good seeing is captured reliably.

    Can I use the QHY5III585C for imaging Jupiter's methane bands?

    Yes, absolutely. The Sony IMX585 sensor has excellent sensitivity in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum. When paired with the included IR850nm filter, the QHY5III585C is highly effective for imaging in the 889nm methane absorption band, which reveals high-altitude structures in Jupiter's and Saturn's atmospheres.

    What back focus should I use with the QHY5III585C on my 8" f/10 SCT with a filter wheel?

    For an f/10 SCT, you will typically need the 17mm back focus configuration, which is achieved by keeping the included adapter on the camera. This provides more space to accommodate accessories like a filter wheel or an atmospheric dispersion corrector (ADC) in the optical train while still reaching focus.

    What is the main advantage of the Sony IMX585 sensor in the QHY5III585C?

    The primary advantage is its combination of high resolution (8.4 Megapixels), high sensitivity from its back-illuminated structure, and very low read noise (as low as 0.77e-). This makes it a versatile sensor capable of capturing detailed, low-noise images of planets, the Moon, and even brighter deep-sky objects with short exposures.

    Can the QHY5III585C be used as a primary guide camera?

    Yes. With its high sensitivity, low noise, and built-in ST-4 guide port, the QHY5III585C is an excellent high-end guide camera. Its large 1/1.2-inch sensor makes finding a suitable guide star easy, even when using an off-axis guider with a long focal length telescope.

    Does the QHY5III585C require an external power supply?

    No, the QHY5III585C is powered entirely through its USB 3.0 Type-C connection. It does not require a separate 12V power supply, which simplifies cable management at the telescope.

  • Sensor Sony IMX585 BSI CMOS
    Sensor Type Color
    Sensor Size 1/1.2-inch (11.1mm x 6.3mm)
    Resolution 3856 x 2180 (8.4 Megapixels)
    Pixel Size 2.9µm x 2.9µm
    Full Well Capacity 52,000e-
    Read Noise 0.77e- to 8e-
    A/D Converter 12-bit (output as 16-bit and 8-bit)
    Image Buffer 512MB DDR3 Memory
    Max Frame Rate (Full) 41.5 FPS @ 8-bit, 23.5 FPS @ 16-bit
    Frame Rate (ROI) Up to 199 FPS @ 8-bit/16-bit (640 lines)
    Exposure Time Range 11µs to 900s
    Shutter Type Electronic Rolling Shutter
    Computer Interface USB 3.0 Type-C
    Guide Port ST-4
    Telescope Interface 1.25" Nosepiece, C-Mount, CS-Mount
    Optical Window IR-Cut Filter
    Included Filters IR850nm Filter
    Back Focus 17mm (with adapter), 8mm (without adapter)
    Weight 90g
  • QHYCCD Warranty